Thread: ohh these dang red bumps

Gentlemen

feeling a little dejected right now! been shaving for a couple of months now, but I am noticing that I get a lot of red bumps on my face. I am frustrated because, like anything worth learning, I am not getting quality shaves that I would like. I can not seem to get as close yet, and my face still feels raw. should I try shaving everyday regardless of how much stubble appears? I also am curious if I need to try different razors. I am currently using some wapis that I bought from Mike Ratliff and I am not sure if they are right for me, but being new I do not know what to compare them too. soo any advice that I could get would be most welcome

Usually you get razor bumps when you shave Against The Grain (ATG), you don't give details of your shaving routine, so it's difficult to give you any pointers. Perhaps you're trying too hard, using too much pressure.
My advice, just shave WTG and ATG and concentrate on your technique rather than results (that's the stage I'm right now).
I believe that as your technique (and mine) improve, our results will come.
Don't give up yet

I don't think changing your razor will change much. I would suggest describing everything in detail, so the experts have a chance to find any problems.

Here are some basic thoughts for you to reflect on:

1) The razor has to be honed correctly for every shave. Mike did well in setting you up, but in the mean time you may have messed the blade up. Getting something to hone the blade up may help as the blade often needs to be tweeked. Also, a correct honing could include backing the edge off a little.

2) Stropping correctly is important and needs to be learned. Study up. Light passes with a taut strop. In the beginning lots of passes should help.

Once the razor is just right it should shave with a light touch, effortlessly. The only challenge should be stretching the skin and getting the angle right. It most likely will take a few strokes over each area to get a close shave. Re-lathering before passes can help with irritation, which is usually the cause of red-spots.

Learning a good confident stroke is important too. If your tentative about what needs to happen your strokes can create irritation and lack of a close shave.

Good luck!

I agree with the prior posters. We need to hear your routine in detail.

How much pressure are you applying? (should be very light)

Where are your bumps occuring. (bumps that occur near the bottom of the neck are normally associated with shaving against the grain on the first pass, it's easy to do here as the hairs are often pointed in odd directions)

Are you prepping your beard? Shave after shower, using what type of soap or cream? How many passes on the strop prior to shaving? And so on and so on.


Let us know


Patrick